Dear Friends & Colleagues - 

Racial Justice Sunday – Theme: Love Your Neighbour

The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37)

Sunday 8th February marks Racial Justice Sunday. This is an opportunity for church schools to reflect deeply on what it means to ‘love our neighbour as ourselves’ in a world marked by division and inequality. This year’s theme, drawn from the parable of the Good Samaritan, challenges us to cross boundaries of ethnicity, status, and prejudice, embodying Christ’s radical love in practical ways. In our schools, this means creating communities where every child and adult is seen, valued, and enabled to flourish.

The revised National Society’s theological framework for Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Justice (EDIJ) is attached to this bulletin. It reminds us that these principles are not optional extras but flow from the Gospel itself. Every person is made in the image of God (imago Dei) and called into life in all its fullness (John 10:10). This vision aligns with the five domains of flourishing set out in Our Hope for a Flourishing Schools System. These domains provide a practical and theological lens for embedding racial justice in school life.

Purpose is the foundation of flourishing. Education in church schools is rooted in God’s call to cultivate justice and belonging. Genesis 1:27 affirms the dignity of every person, and Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of God’s plans for hope and a future. This purpose, anchored in EDIJ, will provide clarity for decision-making and a shared moral compass.

School leaders, including governors, could ask: Do we ensure that our vision and policies reflect equity and inclusion, not just academic success?

Relationships are central to flourishing. Inspired by Ubuntu “I am because we are”, schools should nurture belonging and tackle injustice including in the school system. The Good Samaritan shows us that neighbourliness transcends ethnicity and status. John 13:34–35 commands us to love one another, and Galatians 3:28 calls for radical inclusion.

School leaders, including governors, could ask: Do we review our admissions, behaviour policies, and staff recruitment through an EDIJ lens, so that we can create spaces of deep belonging and reconciliation?

Well-being is a justice issue. Every child and adult deserves psychological safety and holistic care as a reflection of their God-given dignity. Matthew 11:28 invites the weary to find rest, and Psalm 139:14 affirms that each person is “fearfully and wonderfully made.” For racially minoritised pupils, well-being includes combating microaggressions, providing visible role models, and affirming their stories. School leaders, including governors, could ask: Do we enact policies and systems which prioritise mental health and create cultures of kindness which enable transformation?

Resources should be stewarded through justice and generosity. Acts 4:32–35 describes the early church sharing resources so “there were no needy persons among them.” Justice requires equity, not equality, and schools must challenge systemic inequalities in access and support. Stewardship is a moral responsibility that reflects God’s character and prioritises the flourishing of all.

School leaders, including governors, could ask: Do we audit our resource allocation—curriculum, staffing, and funding—to ensure fairness and address disadvantage?

Finally, Learning is transformative. A just curriculum dismantles barriers and tells the truth about injustice. Romans 12:2 calls for transformation through renewing the mind, and Proverbs 8 celebrates wisdom and curiosity. Truth-telling leads to healing and hope-filled change, shaping learners who pursue justice as part of their Christian vocation.

School leaders, including governors, could ask: Does our curriculum and wider offer embed diverse voices and stories, equipping pupils to challenge injustice and become agents of reconciliation?

Racial Justice Sunday is not a one-day event but a call to ongoing transformation. Schools can mark the day through collective worship focused on the Good Samaritan, use prayers for justice and unity, and explore neighbourliness beyond boundaries particularly through RE and PSHE. Schools are encouraged to commit to providing professional development for staff to understand these issues, and to empower pupil leaders to notice injustice and respond appropriately to it.

As leaders and governors, we are called to build communities where every child and adult experiences the love of Christ through justice, dignity, and belonging. By rooting our work in the theological vision of EDIJ and the five domains of flourishing, we can ensure that racial justice is not an aspiration but a lived reality in our schools—a sign of God’s kingdom breaking through.

 

Gather us in – stranger and friend

Bring us into Your loving presence

That we might know that Your love for us never ends

And has no terms or conditions

God of love

On this Racial justice Sunday 2025

Point us towards Your dream for all people,

That we might work together in hope,

For justice, peace and unity throughout Your world.

Give us grace

Show us mercy

That we might live and love in Your name

Now and forever

Amen

p.2 ‘Love you Neighbour, Racial Justice Sunday 08.02.26’, Churches together in Britian and Ireland.

Thank You

A huge thank you to all the schools who have offered pupils’ work or volunteered time to support the Racial Justice Service on the 8th of February.

from June Richardson, School Effectiveness Advisor